Austrian Romantic Road
Transcription
Austrian Romantic Road
Salzburg Vienna Lake Erlaufsee near Mariazell Night-watchmen in Steyr Cumberland Wildlife Park, Grünau im Almtal Schallaburg Castle Hallstatt Hallstatt (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Bad Aussee, Stift Admont, Mariazell, Schallaburg Castle, Vienna Northern route: Hohensalzburg Fortress (Salzburg), Basilica Southern route: Gosaukammbahn (Gosau), Salzwelten (Hallstatt), St. Michael (Mondsee), Schafbergbahn Cog Railway (St. Wolfgang), Kaiservilla (Bad Ischl), Johannesberg chapel (Traunkirchen), Seeschloss Ort (Gmunden), Austrian Museum of Crime (Scharnstein Castle), Cumberland Game Park (Grünau), Benedictine Monastery Kremsmünster (Bad Hall/Kremsmünster), Bummerlhaus (Steyr), Benedictine Monastery Seitenstetten, MostBirnHaus Stift Ardagger Grimming Therme (Bad Mitterndorf ), Admont Benedictine Monastery, Museum „Hoch- QuellenWasser“ Wildalpen (Mariazell), Schallaburg Castle, Schönbrunn Palace (Vienna) The Road stretching from Salzburg to Vienna In St Wolfgang, travellers can choose to continue by way of Gosau, Hallstatt, Bad Aussee, Stift Admont, Mariazell and Schallaburg to Vienna, or via Bad Ischl, Traunkirchen, Gmunden, Scharnstein, Grünau im Almtal, Kremsmünster and Steyr to the capital city, Salzburg. Both options offer a diverse landscape, unusual cultural highlights and culinary excellence. On this journey, travellers will discover castles and monasteries that have existed for centuries, explore game and nature parks, climb mountains The Romantic Road connects towns and cities along 380km in the Alpine republic of Austria that are well worth seeing. It leads through picturesque landscapes and offers the most beautiful lake and mountain panoramas. The route has two variations: from Salzburg through Upper and Lower Austria, and through Styria to Vienna. Panoramic view of Hallstatt Mariazell Southern route: Gosau am Dachstein (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Tourist highlights: © Rita Newman Steyr St. Wolfgang, Bad Ischl, Traunkirchen, Gmunden, Scharnstein, Grünau im Almtal, Kremsmünster, Steyr am Nationalpark, Benedictine Monastery Seitenstetten and the Moststraße © ralfhochhauser.com Northern route: Salzburg (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Mondsee, © hochhauser.com Top locations along the route: © www.mariazellerland-blog.at Route length: approx. 380 km © Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut, Kraft Austrian Romantic Road or visit fascinating museums in the towns and cities along the way. The traditional festivals in the different towns and regions are likewise a special experience. The starting point for this travel experience is Salzburg, a city with a historical city centre which is a UNESCO world heritage site. The baroque city features countless cultural events, traditions and excellent cuisine. A must-see is the house where Mozart was born, as well as the house where he later lived, the fortress Hohensalzburg and the Salzburg cathedral. In Mondsee stands the famous wedding church from the film ‘TheSound of Music’. Every year, more than 300 couples marry in this unique place. Well worth seeing is also the Stilt House Museum, as well as the Local Railway Museum and Open-air Smoke House Museum Mondsee. The charming towns of St Gilgen, Strobl and St Wolfang surround the Lake Wolfgang (Wolfgangsee), one of 76 lakes in the Salzkammergut. The Schafberg Cog Railway is an entertaining excursion, as well as a trip by boat on Lake Wolfgang. Bad Ischl, with its contrasts between old and new, is an equally tempting destination. The Kaiservilla, the Kaiserpark and the Marmorschlössl (little marble palace) exhibit themselves in their full historic glory, whilst the golf course and the wellness spa present a more modern appearance. One of the most picturesque villages in the Salzkammergut is Traun kirchen, ideally located on a peninsula projecting from the western bank of the lake. The village attracts those looking for a hospitable atmosphere, regional customs and nature, such as the natural monument of the Johannesberg and its Johannesberg chapel. Gmunden, as hometown of the famous ceramic chimes and many ceramic manufacturers, shows itself with particular flair and southern charm. A walk through the old city centre or along the Gmunden millennium path are equally pleasurable. The showroom ceramic workshops and Castle Weyer with its porcelain exhibition are well worth a visit. Scharnstein, located in the beautiful Almtal, has an exciting history and a wealth of beautiful nature, which you can experience by taking a walk through the Scharnstein castle ruins. There is plenty for visitors to see in the Austrian museum of crime and gendarmerie, which is housed in the renaissance castle of Scharnstein. Grünau im Almtal is another hidden treasure of nature in the Salzkammergut. Grey geese, ravens, kingfishers and the northern bald ibis, as well as fantastic hiking paths and the nature reserves ‘Almsee’ and ‘Ödseen’ are just some of the attractions the region has to offer. The Schindlbachgut and the Cumberland Game Park guarantee fun for the whole family. Kremsmünster lies in the sheltered valley of the River Krems. Particularly worth seeing is the Benedictine monastery, which was founded in 777, as well as the observatory – Europe’s first high-rise building – with its natural history collection. For pure relaxation, travellers can visit the thermal spa Mediterrana in the neighbouring health and holiday resort of Bad Hall. Visitors should definitely not miss a city tour with the night watchman in Steyr, and experience this historic town with all its interesting stories. Other historic highlights include Castle Lamberg and Castle Vogelsang. The city and Christmas market, as well as the “Stollen der Erinnerung” (Catacombs of Remembrance) offer interesting insight into the city’s past. Benediktinerstift Seitenstetten (Seitenstetten Abbey), known to locals as “Vierkanter Gottes” (God’s farmhouse), stands out with its baroque works of art, historical courtyard garden and its location: tucked away in the rich landscape of the Mostviertel, through which the Moststrasse (Most road) winds. This tourist route is known throughout Europe for its unique, unmixed ‘Birnenmost’ (pear cider) and noble liquor. Valuable information about this sweet little fruit can be obtained in the ‘MostBirnHaus’ in the Ardagger Monastery, as well as in the ‘Mostelleria’ in Oed-Öhling. High on a hilltop, where the Most region borders the Wachau, lies the renaissance castle Schallaburg. The former fortress impresses its visitors with a magnificent banquet hall, a mighty weapons cellar and a romantic courtyard. Vienna lies at the end of the Austrian Romantic Road. Its historical city centre as well as the baroque setting and gardens of Schönbrunn Palace are also UNESCO world heritage sites. Just behind Lake Wolfgangsee the southern route of the Austrian Romantic Road leads through other exceptional UNESCO world heritage sites, such as the Dachstein-Salzkammergut, where the towns of Gosau and Hallstatt cast their spell on every visitor. In and around Gosau, every hiker’s heart will beat a little faster at the thought of all the hiking possibilities: on the Dachstein Mountain, around lake Gosau and through a true jewel of nature, Löckermoos. In the town centre of Gosau there is much to discover: the Local History Museum and the rock and fossil grinding shop Gapp heartily invite all travellers to drop by. In 1997, Hallstatt was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites, always captivating with its impressive mountain scenery, significant archaeological sites and the oldest salt mine in the world. In the geographical centre of Austria lies the Ausseerland-Salzkammer gut, which is defined by its charming landscape and crystal clear lakes. Cultural highlights include the narcissus festival, the performance of the Vienna state opera and ballet, and many more events. The alpine region of the Gesäuse National Park tempts its visitors with diverse water sport possibilities and tours through the imposing mountain scenery. The ‘Gesäuse venison’ is a culinary indulgence for all, and visitors are spoilt with cultural choice such as the Weidendom (willow cathedral) and the world’s largest monastery library in the Admont monastery. For enthusiasts of nature adventures or friends of quiet times away: High Styria is suited to both and is also ideal for pilgrims with its famous Marian sanctuary (Marienheiligtum) in Mariazell. This is also the place to be for real food connoisseurs, since the finest Lebkuchen (gingerbread biscuits) can be found here. Sightseers can use the Mariazell railway as an insider’s tip to get around the area. Further information ARGE Die Österreichische Romantikstraße Salinenplatz 1 A-4820 Bad Ischl Tel.: +43 (0)6132/26 90 911 info@romantikstrasse.at www.romantikstrasse.at Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/romantikstrasse © Tourismusverband Ausseerland - Salzkammergut/Tom Lamm Health resort Bad Ischl Northern route Plätte (barge) on Lake Grundlsee Bad Ischl B4 Gmunden C3 Grünau im Almtal C3 Kremsmünster D3 Mondsee B3 Salzburg A3 Southern route Scharnstein C3 Steyr am Nationalpark D3 Stift Seitenstetten E3 St. Wolfgang B4 Traunkirchen C3 Bad Aussee C4 Gosau am Dachstein B4 Hallstatt C4 Mariazell F4 Important telephone numbers Schallaburg F2 Stift Admont D4 Vienna/ Wien H2 Fire department 122 Police 133 Ambulance 144 European emergency number 112 Mountain rescue 140 Emergency calls for the hard of hearing 0800 133 133 Medical emergency service 141 Air ambulance 40 144 Medical centre 53 116-0 ÖAMTC (Austrian emergency vehicle breakdown service) Poisoning information 01/406 43 43 Pharmacy emergency service 1550 Emergency helpline to block bank cards 0800/20 48 800 Lost or stolen credit cards (Paylife) 01/ 717 01 - 4500 Lost or stolen credit cards (CardComplete) 01/ 717 01-770 Route description and tips ÖAMTC location ÖAMTC Emergency helpline (breakdown service, towing, and much more) 120 A journey between Salzburg and Vienna ÖAMTC breakdown cover emergency helpline +43 (0)1 25/ 120 00 Road map FREE Austrian Romantic Road EN © Tourismusverband Bad Ischl www.romantikstrasse.at/en © TVB ALMTAL/Scharnstein Bürgerservicestelle Scharnstein Tel.: +43 (0)7615/22 55, www.almtal.at www.scharnstein.or.at Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri: 07.00–12.00, 13.00–18.00, Wed: 07.00–12.00 Salzburg The baroque city of Salzburg is well known for being the birthplace of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, the Salzburg Festival, and the rich variety of over 4,000 cultural events every year. The historic heart of the city, which was declared a UNESCO world heritage site, enchants visitors with its romantic streets, mighty churches, flower-decorated passageways and spacious squares. Less well-known things to discover include Salzburg’s beer culture, modern art, family businesses with a choice assortment of products, traditional cafes and excellent restaurants. Mondsee Six thousand years ago, Mondsee was already a populated area. Today, the basilica St Michael, the famous wedding church from the film The Sound of Music, dominates the town. Every year, more than 300 couples marry in this unique place. The historic heart of the town and the charming lake scenery make Mondsee the most romantic place in the Salzkammergut. The stilt houses secured Mondsee its name as a UNESCO world heritage site. Well worth seeing is the Stilt House Museum, as well as the Local Railway Museum and Open-air Smoke House Museum Mondsee. St Wolfgang am Wolfgangsee Lake Wolfgang (the Wolfgangsee) is not just any of the 76 lakes in the worldfamous Salzkammergut – it is the most magical, and has entranced visitors for hundreds of years. The Lake Wolfgang region offers well-signposted paths of international standard for all hiking enthusiasts. It is also well known for its fine cuisine that is full of surprises. Be it a quaint, cozy alpine hut, a traditional inn or a top-class restaurant by the lake, St Wolfgang has something to offer for every taste and whim. Bad Ischl Today, in the former summer retreat of the Kaiser, there reigns a fascinating contrast between old and new. Bad Ischl, with a cosmopolitanism rooted in its long history, proudly presents its Kaiservilla, Kaiserpark and “Marmorschlössl” (little marble palace). The interplay between traditional and modern is also reflected by the pump room and museums of the town. The ‘Siriuskogl’, the cableway ‘Katrin’, the ruins of Castle Wildenstein as well as the town itself tempt travellers with their charm and friendliness. Gmunden Gmunden, the hometown of the famous ceramic chimes and the Gmunden Ceramic Manufacture, indulges its visitors with particular flair and southern charm. History, relaxation and adventure create the perfect harmony in this idyllic town. The historic tram and the paddle steamer ‘Gisela’ are a must-see, as well as the ‘Salzträgerbrunnen’ (the only ceramic fountain in Austria), the showroom ceramic workshops and the Castle Weyer. The ‘Gmundner Jahrtausendweg’ (Gmundner millennium path) and the Altstadt-Themenweg (a theme trail through the historic district) are only two of the inviting strolls this town has to offer. Traunkirchen One of the most picturesque places in the Salzkammergut, Traunkirchen lies on the west shore on a peninsula island that stretches into the Traunsee. The heart of the idyllic town is characterised by its historical buildings and impressive mountain scenery. As well as the parish church with its fishing-themed pulpit, and the natural monument Johannesberg with the Johannes chapel, an outing to the oldest Calvary in the Salzkammergut is always worthwhile. The magnificent surroundings of the town have much to offer for both visitors in search of relaxation and the active adventurers. Scharnstein im Almtal Scharnstein im Almtal, in the eastern part of the Salzkammergut, presents visitors its heavenly nature and exciting history. Here, visitors can wander along extensive hiking paths and follow in the footsteps of the noble protestant family Jörger, right up to the ruins of Castle Scharnstein, that reigns over the Tiessenbach Valley. In the ‚Geyerhammer‘ Museum, once the most important scythe smithy of the monarchy, the history of the industrialisation comes alive. The Austrian Museum of Policing and Crime is also in the renaissance castle Scharnstein. In winter, the 30 km of the cross-country ski trail ALMTAL are accessible. © TVB Steyr © Mostviertel Tourismus / www.weinfranz.at © Mostviertel Tourismus / www.weinfranz.at © OÖ Tourismus © Ferienregion Dachstein Salzkammergut/ Wallner Ferienregion Traunsee, Toscanapark 1, 4810 Gmunden Tel.: +43 (0)7612 / 64 305, www.traunsee.at Winter: Mon–Fri: 09.00–17.00, Sat. and holidays: 09.00–13.00 Summer: Mon–Fri: 08.00–18.00, Sat./Sun. and holidays: 09.00–15.00 © TV Bad Hall-Kremsmünster Ferienregion Traunsee, Toscanapark 1, 4810 Gmunden Tel.: +43 (0)7612 / 64 305, www.traunsee.at Winter: Mon–Fri: 09.00–17.00, Sat. and holidays: 09.00–13.00 Summer: Mon–Fri: 08.00–18.00, Sat./Sun. and holidays: 09.00–15.00 © Almsee / Karl Redtenbacher Tourismusverband Bad Ischl, Auböckplatz 5 – Trinkhalle 4820 Bad Ischl, Tel. +43 (0)6132 / 27 757, www.badischl.at Summer: Mon–Sat: 09.00–18.00 , Sun and holidays: 10.00 –18.00 Winter: Mon–Sat: 09.00–17.00, Sun and holidays: 10.00–14.00 © Ferienregion Traunsee, Foto Reinhold Weissenbrunner Wolfgangsee Tourismus Gesellschaft, Au 140, 5360 St. Wolfgang Tel: +43 (0)6138/80 03, www.wolfgangsee.at, summer: Mon–Fri: 09.00–19.00, Sat: 9.00–15.00, Sun: 10.00–17.00, winter: Mon– Fri: 09.00–17.00, Sat: 09.00–12.00, closed on Sun and holidays © Ferienregion Traunsee, Foto Karl Heinz Ruber © OÖ Tourismus © WTG © TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH © www.mondsee.at Tourismusverband MondSeeLand Mondsee – Irrsee Dr.-Franz-Müller-Straße 3, 5310 Mondsee Tel.: +43 (0)6232 / 22 70 www.mondsee.at, all year round: Mon–Fri: 08.00–17.00 seasonally also Sat /Sun 09.00–19.00 Information Mozartplatz (careful, pedestrian zone), Mozartplatz 5 5020 Salzburg, Tel.: +43 (0)662 / 88 987-330, www.salzburg.info Information in Hauptbahnhof (daily): Apr.– Oct.: 09.00–18.00 May/Jun./Sep.: 09.00–19.00 Uhr, Jul./Aug.: 09.00–20.00 Steyr am Nationalpark Steyr, a town of over 1000 years old, is a true jewel of medieval urban development. It lies where the Rivers Enns and Steyr converge, and belongs to the most beautiful towns in Europe. Guided tours with the night watchman or by Segway, visits to the companies BMW and MAN, shopping sprees and cultural delights all make relaxation an exciting new experience. The Kalkalpen National Park right by the town is a tempting invitation to discover the wilderness. Steyr is Austria’s official Christmas town, with its Christkindl post office, pilgrimage church, Steyr Valley Railway, Christmas museum and blacksmith’s Christmas. The Benedictine Monastery Seitenstetten Nestled in the lush, hilly landscape of the Most district, the Monastery Seitenstetten has shaped the people, nature and culture for hundreds of years. In this Benedictine monastery, nature and culinary expertise are in perfect harmony. “God’s square”, as it is commonly called by locals, impresses visitors with its baroque art treasures and historic courtyard. The unique gallery houses art works from different periods, and provides a pleasant ramble through European art. The country inn Stiftsmeierhof offers relaxation and enjoyment. The Moststraße in the Most quarter The Moststraße winds for 200km through the gently undulating landscape of the Most district. Connoisseurs appreciate the unique, unmixed ‘Birnenmost’ (pear cider) and noble liquor. The MostBirnHaus in the Ardagger Monastery, and the “Mostelleria – the secret world of the Most pear” in Oed-Öhling provide information about this sweet little fruit. The 20 “Mostbarons”, the experts for the true ‘Mostculture’, also afford informative entertainment. In spring, seas of flowers invite visitors to the enchanting Most district, as well as the picturesque autumn for festivals and wine tasting. © Schallaburg/ M. Horvath © WienTourismus/Christian Stemper Upper Styria Hochsteiermark/Mariazellerland Turquoise blue waters and green forests are the hallmarks of the landscape of Upper Styria - from Semmering in Styria to beyond the Eisenerzer Alps. Upper Styria offers the perfect setting for outdoor adventure, quiet walks and unforgettable holiday impressions. With the most famous Marian shrine in central Europe, Mariazellerland is an ideal venue for pilgrims and a must for food enthusiasts: it has the world’s finest gingerbread! Holidaymakers visit the Bürgeralpe as a hiking and skiing destination or travel around the still little-known region via the Mariazeller Railway. by regional delicacies and seasonal dishes. Comfortable rooms guarantee pure relaxation, not to mention the wellness resorts and breath-taking surroundings. © Romantik Hotel GMACHL Gersberg 37 5020 Salzburg Tel. +43 (0)662 / 641 257 office@gersbergalm.at gersbergalm.at Romantikhotel & Restaurant Gersbergalm ★★★★ Situated in the middle of the countryside, these 44 comfortable rooms offer a cosy setting far away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Typical Austrian delicacies in addition to a wellstocked wine cellar guarantee pure pleasure. © Heritage.Hotel Hallstatt Romantik Hotel GMACHL ★★★★ S Relax in comfortable rooms and enjoy breath-taking views of the Salzburg mountains in the Panorama SPA and experience awardwinning cuisine and specialities from the local butcher. © Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl © GERSBERG ALM Romantikhotel Almtalhof ★★★★ Incredible ambience, cosy rooms and an abundance of Austrian hospitality awaits you at the Romantikhotel. Gourmet cuisine with seasonal dishes and local ingredients will ensure you have an amazing experience. Dorfstrasse 14 5161 Elixhausen bei Salzburg Tel.: +43 (0)662 / 480 212 romantikhotel@gmachl.com www.gmachl.com Walk across the city’s hills of Salzburg Markt 74 5360 St. Wolfgang welcome@weissesroessl.at www.weissesroessl.at Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl ★★★★ S The first stop in Salzkammergut is the Romantikhotel "Im Weissen Rössl". Austrian tradition awaits you, combined with modern lifestyle and a unique location directly on lake Wolfgangsee. Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl ★★★★ S Markt 74, 5360 St. Wolfgang, Tel.: +43 (0)6138 / 23 060 welcome@weissesroessl.at, www.weissesroessl.at Open all year round Landungsplatz 101 4830 Hallstatt info@hotel-hallstatt.com www.hotel-hallstatt.com Heritage.Hotel Hallstatt ★★★★ Located across three historical buildings, the 12 Heritage suites and 42 Heritage Deluxe rooms with their unique flair and stylish furnishings will simply take your breath away. Feel the magic of the unique Hallstatt vibe. © Seewirt Mattsee – Kuschelhotel am See Almeggstraße 1 4645 Grünau im Almtal Tel.: +43 (0)7616 / 60 04 romantikhotel@almtalhof.at www.almtalhof.at The partner hotels along the Austrian Romantic Road represent unique and distinctive delight. Vienna The imposing appearance of Vienna is defined by the architecture of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Magnificent buildings from the baroque, historicism and art nouveau eras entice visitors through this romantic city of the Kaisers. World-class museums, collections and art works can be found here, including the Museum of Art History, the Belvedere and the Albertina and Leopold Museum. St Stephan’s Cathedral, the Hofburg Palace and the Schönbrunn Palace tempt visitors to explore the city with its nostalgic, imperial flair. Seestraße 4 5163 Mattsee Tel.: +43 (0)6217 / 52 71 www.seewirt-mattsee.at kuscheln@seewirt-mattsee.at Seewirt Mattsee ★★★★ – Cosy lake hotel Situated directly on lake Mattsee, enjoy your holiday in this child-free cosy hotel. The spa area with its outdoor pool, sauna facilities, massage parlour and gourmet food will sweeten your romantic holiday in a dream location. Romantik Hotel Im Weissen Rössl ★★★★ S Made famous by Ralph Benatzky’s operetta “Im Weissen Rössl am Wolfgangsee”, this Romantikhotel offers you Austrian tradition combined with modern lifestyle and a unique location on Lake Wolfgang. The lakeside 1,500 m² spa with its Rössl pool, a heated outdoor whirlpool (37°C) and a 30°C lake pool are the hotel’s highlights. The romantic Kaiserterrasse restaurant (with 2 canopies) will appeal to food enthusiasts with its Austrian dishes, refined to meet contemporary tastes and enriched with new ideas. Indulge your palate with regional dishes and products in the lakeside restaurant. Library of Admont Benedictine Monastery Hallstatt Named a UNESCO world heritage site in 1997, Hallstatt captivates visitors with its impressive mountain scenery, significant archaeological sites, and the oldest salt mines in the world. The Heritage Museum, the Bone House Hallstatt, the "Salt World" Hallstatt and the historic marketplace serve to bring visitors closer to the history of the town. The archaeological excavations by the Dachsteinsport Janu and the Walbachstrub Waterfalls are well worth a visit. The delightful architecture, the strong traditions and customs, and the joie de vivre of the people complete Hallstatt’s charm. Rafting in the area of Wildalpen Arial view of the surroundings and lake castle 'Seeschloss Ort', Gmunden © Wolfgangsee Tourismus Gesellschaft The Romantic Road guides you through the most beautiful spots in Austria, providing romantic travellers with the perfect reason to find special accommodation and combine relaxing travels with some lovely time away. The partner hotels on the Austrian Romantic Road ensure you experience a special mix of heartfelt hospitality and elegant surroundings. Award-winning restaurants serve culinary delights characterised © Romantikhotel Almtalhof Partner hotels on the Austrian Romantic Road Schallaburg Castle Where the Most district borders the Wachau, high on its hilltop, Schallaburg castle looks deep into the landscape. Once built as a fortress, a prince magnificently rebuilt the complex at the beginning of the renaissance. Schallaburg castle allows one to travel back in time. Today, it also hosts top-class exhibitions. The fresco-decorated banquet-hall, the mighty weapons cellar, the romantic courtyard and the extensive historic gardens offer a charming ambiance for events of all kind. Tourist-Info Wien Albertinaplatz/Ecke Maysedergasse, 1010 Wien Tel.: +43 (0)1 / 24 555, www.wien.info Daily: 09.00 –19.00 © Romantik Hotel im Weissen Rössl Admont – Gesäuse National Park The Gesäuse National Park, in the alpine region in the north of Styria, is Austria’s best-kept secret. Eleven little refuges invite the avid hiker to a tour through the imposing mountain scenery, and the rivers Enns and Salza are a true Eldorado for water sports. Not to mention the Gesäuse venison, which is sheer temptation for the taste buds. In the region one can also find Austria’s largest “Weidendom”, or willow cathedral, as well as the famous library of the Admont Benedictine Monastery, the largest of its kind in the world. For the adventurers, the area of Palfau provides ample excitement with its high-ropes course, bow-and-arrow course and water caves and canyons. Renaissanceschloss Schallaburg - Castle Schallaburg 3382 Schallaburg 1, www.schallaburg.at March–Nov.: Mon–Fri: 09.00–17.00, Sat, Sun and holidays: 09.00–18.00 (Ticket office closure and last admissions: 16.00 and 17.00 respectively) © Mostviertel Tourismus/weinfranz.at Bad Aussee The Ausseerland-Salzkammergut lies in the geographical centre of Austria. The region, with its charming scenery and crystal-clear lakes, offers an extensive range of sports and leisure activities. Summer boasts a wealth of cultural events, not least of which are the annual Daffodil-Festival and the joint performance of the Vienna State Opera and Ballet. The health resorts of Altaussee, Bad Aussee and Bad Mitterndorf, with their “health-factors” water, air, climate, salt and moorland, also make the region the dominating “Vital-Region” in the middle of Austria. Tourismusverband Mariazeller Land, Hauptplatz 13, 8630 Mariazell Tel.: +43 (0)3882 / 23 66, www.mariazell-info.at, all year around: Mon– Fri: 09.00 –17.00, Sat: 09.00–12.30 (except Nov./Apr.) high season: May–Sep.: Sat: 09.00 –16.00, Sun/holidays: 09.00–12.30 Tourismusverband Alpenregion Nationalpark Gesäuse (Gesäuse National Park), Hauptstraße 35, 8911 Admont; Tel.: +43 (0)3613 / 21 16 010 www.gesaeuse.at; all year round: Mon– Fri: 09.00 –17.00 Summer: Mon– Fri: 08.00 –18.00 as well as Sat & holidays: 10.00–16.00 © Tourismus Salzburg GmbH Tourismusverband Ausseerland-Salzkammergut Bahnhofstraße 132, 8990 Bad Aussee Tel. +43 (0)3622/54 040-0, www.ausseerland.at Mon – Fri : 08.00 –18.00, Sat: 09.00 – 12.00 Gosau am Dachstein The idyllic town of Gosau is nestled in a breathtaking mountain landscape that counts as a UNESCO world heritage site. Here, the regional customs and traditions are lovingly maintained and looked after. A ride with the cable car along the Gosau ridge offers beautiful views of the Dachstein summit and the Gosausee (Gosau lake), and the Löckernmoos, a true jewel of nature, makes every hiker’s heart beat a little faster. In Gosau, the Museum of Local History and the rock and fossil grinding shop Gapp are well worth a visit. In winter, the ski region Dachstein West lures numerous winter sport enthusiasts to this picturesque place. Tourismusverband Inneres Salzkammergut, tourist office Hallstatt Seestraße 99, 4830 Hallstatt, Tel.: +43 (0)6134 / 8208 www.dachstein-salzkammergut.at, Mon–Fri: 09.00–13.00, 14.00–17.00 (additional opening times during the high season) © mariazellerland-blog.at, Foto Harry Schiffer Bad Hall – Kremsmünster Kremsmünster nestles in the protected valley of the River Krems, between the varied slopes of the pre-Alps region. The Benedictine Monastery, founded in 777, entices visitors with its art collection and the Tassilo chalice. Particularly worth seeing is also the observatory, Europe’s first high-rise building, with its natural history collection, as well as the Museum for Musical Instruments in the Kremsegg Palace. Hiking trails, ‘culture’ paths, tennis courts and cycle paths tempt visitors out into nature. The neighbouring health resort of Bad Hall with powerful iodine brine springs provides ample relaxation at the thermal spa Mediterrana. Tourismusverband Inneres Salzkammergut, tourist office Gosau 4824 Gosau 547, Tel.: +43 (0)6136 / 82 95 www.dachstein-salzkammergut.at, Mon–Fri: 08.00–12.00,13.00–17.00 (additional opening times during the high season) © Tourismusverband Alpenregion Nationalpark Gesäuse Grünau im Almtal Far from the trodden path lies the hidden jewel of Grünau im Almtal in the eastern part of the Salzkammergut. This insider tip for summer and winter holidays enthralls visitors with its diverse flora and fauna. The grey goose, the raven, the kingfisher and the northern bald ibis have become flying sybols of Grünau. Summer tempts visitors into the great outdoors with its heavenly hiking paths and nature reserves. The Cumberland game park and the Schindlbachgut with its fairy tale forest and bow-and-arrow course offer entertainment and variety for the whole family. In winter, alpine and cross-country skiing in the family ski region of ‚Kasberg‘ are a must. © mariazellerland-blog.at Mostviertel Tourismus GmbH Adalbert Stifter-Straße 4, 3250 Wieselburg, Tel.: +43 (0)7416 / 52 191 www.mostviertel.at, www.moststrasse.at Mon–Thur: 09.00–17.00, Fri: 09.00–12.00 © Tourismusverband Alpenregion Nationalpark Gesäuse Benediktinerstift Seitenstetten Am Klosterberg 1, 3353 Seitenstetten, Tel.: +43 (0)7477 / 423 00 www.stift-seitenstetten.at, 21st Apr. – 31st Oct.: all year round for groups of 15 people or more with booking © Ferienregion Traunsee, Foto Reinhold Weissenbrunner Tourismusverband Steyr am Nationalpark Stadtplatz 27, 4402 Steyr, Tel. +43 (0)7252 / 53 229 - 0, www.steyr.info Mon–Fri: 09.00–18.00, Sat: 09.00–12.00, Advent: Mon– Fri: 09.00 –18.00 Sat: 09.00 –16.00, Sun and holidays: 10.00 –15.00 Tourismusverband Bad Hall – Kremsmünster, 4540 Bad Hall Kurpromenade 1, Tel.: +43 (0)7258/ 72 00-0, www.badhall.at Tourist Office Kremsmünster, 4550 Kremsmünster Rathausplatz 1, Tel.: +43 (0)7583/ 72 12, www.badhall.at © TVB Ausseerland - Salzkammergut-Griese Tourismusverband Almtal-Salzkammergut 4645 Grünau im Almtal, Im Dorf 17, Tel.: +43 (0)7616 / 82 68 www.almtal.at, Mon–Fri: 09.00–12.00, 13.00–17.00 Sat: 09.00–12.00 (except Nov., Apr.) Euratsfeld, Mostviertel Schafbergbahn (cog railway), St. Wolfgang Publisher Grebennikov Verlag GmbH Immanuelkirchstr. 5 10405 Berlin, Germany Tel.: 0049 (0)30 89 568 196 www.grebennikoff.de Issue 1, 2014 Distributed across bookstores and via ARGE “Die Österreichische Romantikstraße”. Kindly supported by: ARGE “Die Österreichische Romantikstraße” Cover pictures: Gosausee © OOE Tourismus, Heilinger Salzburg © TSG Tourismus Salzburg GmbH Copyright: Rests with the publishers – reprinting is allowed with publishers’ permission. Printing: Spree Druck Berlin GmbH